Chapter 1
After graduating, I quietly applied for a position at the City Hall in his city, intending to surprise Charles Laurier and finally put an end to the miles that had
stretched between us.
What I hadn’t foreseen was that on my very first day at work, fate would deal me a cruel hand. He walked in, arm–in–arm with
his childhood sweetheart, Elsie Garcia, ready to register for their marriage
certificate.
I didn’t lash out or crumble. Instead, I composed myself, stamped their certificate with steady hands and offered my blessings
with a calm smile.
“Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness.”
Charles‘ s expression froze as his gaze landed on me. “Cecile Whitlock? What are you doing here?”
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His voice trembled with shock, but his arm remained snug around Elsie’s slender waist as if the bond between them was
unbreakable.
In my hand was the red booklet they had just handed me. On its cover, the gold logo gleamed brightly, but all I could see was the photo inside. Charles and Elsie leaned closely together, their smiles sweet and radiant, as if the universe revolved solely around their joy.
It felt like a blade had pierced through my chest, carving out a hollow ache that refused to subside. Yet, at work, I steeled myself, keeping every crack in my composure hidden beneath a mask of professionalism.
Feigning calm, I stamped both copies of their marriage certificate and slid them back across the counter. “I work here. Your certificates are ready.”
“Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness.”
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Charles‘ s expression faltered briefly, discomfort flickering in his eyes. He quickly covered it with an exaggerated look of surprise. “Why didn’t you tell me you were working here?”
I thought, for a fleeting moment, that my presence might have moved him until his next words cut through the air like an icy
slap.
“If I had known, I would‘ ve picked a different time to bring Elsie here. Why did it have to be today of all days that we ran into you?”
My hands faltered mid–action, the words sinking in deeper than I anticipated. I hadn’t expected his voice to carry such indifference, much less his complaint.
Charles and I had been college classmates, with him a year ahead of me. When he graduated, he returned to his hometown to build his career, leaving us to navigate the trials of a long–distance relationship.
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Determined to end the torment of separation, I sacrificed the prestigious job my family had arranged for me and worked tirelessly to secure employment in his city. I had dreamed of surprising him, picturing the joy in his eyes when we reunited. Instead, the surprise turned into a cruel twist of fate on the very day he married his childhood sweetheart.
Swallowing my heartbreak, I forced myself to focus on the waiting line behind them and gestured curtly to the side. “If there’s nothing else, please step aside. Other couples are waiting to register.”
Perhaps irritated by my cold demeanor, Charles‘ s voice turned sharp. “What kind of attitude is that? Be careful, or I‘ 11 file a complaint about your poor service.”
He continued his words, cutting like a jagged blade. “And as for me marrying Elsie, there’s a reason for it. It all
happened so suddenly that I didn’t have time to tell you. Don’t cause a scene
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here.”
Then, as if his words weren’t enough, he added with infuriating nonchalance, “I‘ ll take Elsie home first and then I’ll come back to pick you up after work.”
Gripping Elsie’s hand, he led her away, their heads leaning close as they admired their freshly issued marriage certificates.
Sensing my gaze, Elsie deliberately lifted the certificates to her lips. She kissed them, then shot me a smug, provocative smile.
My fists clenched involuntarily, my nails biting into my palms until the pain brought warmth and wetness.
Behind me, the couple waiting in line stared, their curiosity evident. One finally asked, “What’s the relationship between you three?”
Without lifting my head, I continued
stamping papers and answered flatly, “My ex–boyfriend and his new wife.”
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From the moment Charles and I began dating, Elsie’s name seemed to echo endlessly in our conversations.
“Elsie is my childhood friend, but we‘ re just like siblings. Nothing more.”
“Elsie said she’s spending Valentine‘ s Day alone tomorrow. It’s so pitiful, so I’ve booked a high–speed train to visit her. You’ll have to spend it by yourself.”
“This looks perfect. I’ll get one for Elsie.”
“Elsie…”
Her name was like a thorn in the fabric of
our relationship, pricking me over and over. We had countless arguments because of her, each one chipping away at my patience. But no matter how angry I was, Charles always knew the words to pull me
back.
“You‘ re different from Elsie. She’s just a friend. You‘ re the one I love.”
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And every time, those words were enough to soften my heart and silence my doubts.
